SEATTLE- Mayor Greg Nickels today announced the award of $680,000 in matching funds to 22 summer Youth Initiative projects and 27 Small and Simple projects across the city. The awards will be presented tonight at the Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The Youth Initiative projects will focus on programs for teens in the Central District and the Rainier Beach community. The Small and Simple projects are spread across the city, covering subjects as diverse as public art, race and social justice, youth-development, and climate protection.

“These awards recognize our neighborhoods’ commitment and creativity in tackling a wide range of challenges, and I’m especially proud of the city’s efforts to engage youth in Rainier Beach and the Central District, creating doors of opportunity for our children,” Nickels said. “These projects will truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

“Believing in our future means believing in our youth and giving them opportunities to succeed. By supporting these organizations we’re helping to provide the programs that give kids in the Central District and Rainier Beach skills to succeed in life,” said Councilmember Sally Clark, chair of the Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee.

Four times a year, Small and Simple Project Fund Awards are given to groups committed to building a better community. The funding is matched by locally raised money, donated materials, and volunteer labor. Youth Initiative projects will match the city’s $370,921 with $286,479. Small and Simple awardees will match the city’s $312,868 contribution with resources valued at $351,148.

“This funding cycle has so many exciting and inspirational projects that highlight the energy that community members have, and how much they care for their neighborhoods. I encourage everyone to take a look at these project descriptions and think about how we can partner on more projects that make a difference. We continue to prove that we are a city of neighborhoods,” said Stella Chao, Department of Neighborhoods director.

At tonight’s workshops, people can find out how to become more involved, and start projects in their communities. Several workshops will be conducted on site, with one in Spanish.

The Department of Neighborhoods’ Matching Fund is in its 20th year of providing community building excellence throughout Seattle. Since its inception in 1988, thousands of community projects have strengthened communities, and neighborhoods. Please contact the Department of Neighborhoods at 206-684-0464 for more information.